| Almost everyone feels a bit nervous about | | | | Step Three: Structure Your Presentation |
| delivering a presentation before a group. Some | | | | Most of the time, it's wise to open with a story |
| people would rather undergo a root canal than | | | | that reveals a picture of the problem at hand. |
| experience the anxiety of giving a speech. | | | | Stories engage people, especially if they're |
| Follow some basic guidelines for preparation and | | | | personal and real. They create an authentic |
| delivery, and you can transform your | | | | connection and grab people's attention. |
| nervousness into positive energy that achieves | | | | Remember: Your first 30 seconds are the most |
| the results you desire. | | | | crucial. |
| The secrets to successful presentations are | | | | Follow up your story with an honest analysis of |
| simple, based on common sense. Many people, | | | | the problem, and back it up with research |
| however, fail to employ them. | | | | statistics. The Internet makes this part of your |
| Step One: Purpose | | | | task easy, but be cautious about spending too |
| What's the purpose of your presentation? There | | | | much time on stats. |
| are many reasons to make a speech or | | | | Then, present the solution. This is the "good |
| announcement, and you need to clearly define | | | | stuff," as people want to know relief is in sight. |
| your goal. Do you have to deliver bad news to | | | | Spell out the benefits to your audience. |
| your department? Do you require a decision from | | | | Strengthening Your Presentation |
| your superiors on a problematic business situation? | | | | If you use slides or PowerPoint graphics, don't |
| Do you have a solution and want to convince | | | | become overly attached to them. They should |
| people? Are you trying to sell a solution or | | | | supplement your talk and illustrate key points, not |
| product? | | | | deliver the presentation for you. Don't use |
| Most presenters try to persuade their audience to | | | | graphics that contain every word you say, and |
| buy into specific ideas. They must sufficiently | | | | never read directly off the screen. |
| inspire and motivate listeners to take action or | | | | Limit text to subheadings, which should be large |
| give the green light to act on suggested solutions. | | | | enough to read from the back of the room. Don't |
| You need to lead your audience through the | | | | talk to the screen instead of your audience. And |
| decision-making process so members can go | | | | always be prepared for the possibility of a power |
| through it with you. Unless they believe they | | | | or technological failure; bring handouts and have an |
| "own" the decision, they won't act upon it. | | | | alternative way to deliver your speech in case |
| It's critical to avoid spelling everything out for | | | | there's no screen. |
| them. Let them "see" what the problems are and | | | | Managing Anxiety |
| which decisions are needed. They will then be | | | | Some experts suggest memorizing the first 60 |
| happy to engage in finding solutions and | | | | seconds of your speech. If you do this, make |
| enthusiastic about acting on them. | | | | sure it sounds natural and authentic. Because |
| Step Two: Know Your Audience | | | | you're likely to open with a personal story, |
| Your audience is not merely composed of the | | | | introduce yourself and explain why your topic is |
| people you'll face when you deliver your speech. | | | | so important to you. This makes the first 60 |
| It also includes those who may be influenced or | | | | seconds sound natural, even if you memorize |
| affected by your proposal. Before you think | | | | your text. |
| about what to say, you must determine who | | | | Don't draw attention to your nervousness by |
| your audience is and what they'll need from you | | | | telling your audience about it. You can share your |
| to buy into your argument. | | | | feelings, but not your anxieties. Your goal is to |
| Make sure you're selling the benefits of your | | | | present yourself authentically, as a real human |
| solution-not the features. For example, if your | | | | being. |
| new program benefits the company by saving | | | | Don't fidget or fiddle with your hair, clothes or |
| time and money, this is what you should | | | | body parts. Practice your speech in front of a |
| emphasize. It will appeal to your audience much | | | | mirror as often as you can, and minimize nervous |
| more than any discussion of actual program | | | | tics by standing behind a podium, if necessary. |
| features. Always focus on your audience's | | | | Practice drawing a deep breath for instant |
| interests. | | | | relaxation. |